Tempo Storm have revamped their League of Legends squad ahead of the forthcoming Summer Split, determined to launch a stronger bid for promotion into the NA LCS in 2018. The North American Challenger Series team have signed former FC Schalke 04 mid laner Marcin “SELFIE” Wolski in addition to Nick “LS” De Cesare, previously a SPOTV broadcaster, as head coach.

After failing to reach the NA LCS Promotion tournament, falling to Gold Coin United in the NA CS Playoff Semi-Final, Tempo Storm have immediately taken the opportunity to address some of the issues with their squad. Similarly failing to secure LCS status with Schalke 04 eSports, mid laner SELFIE will replace Jørgen “Hatrixx” Elgåen, who joined the team shortly after it obtained Dream Team’s League Challenger Series spot in November.

Source: OpenDomain

It was no secret that SELFIE and Schalke 04 eSports felt confident in their chances of promotion to the EU LCS. With a line-up featuring a potent combination of highly tipped European prodigies and seasoned veterans, each member of the roster boasted remarkable statistics in the regular season: SELFIE tallied an impressive 8.2 KDA ratio. It all fell apart for SELFIE and S04 with an unexpected loss to Misfits Academy in the playoffs, resulting in the roster disbanding.

I’m sorry to let you guys and @S04Esports down. Worst series of my life.GG to @MisfitsGG they played really well and I wish them GL in promo

The Polish prodigy returns to North America after his disappointing period with S04, having previously earned promotion with Misfits in the European Challenger Series. During his time in NA, SELFIE was a substitute for Vortex and Echo Fox and even briefly lived in the Renegades house.

SELFIE previously worked with incoming coach LS during their shared period with SUPA HOT CREW. Tempo Storm marks the first team LS has coached since he left former NA LCS squad Gravity Gaming in 2015:

“When he said he was considering joining a team again if the conditions were right, I knew he was serious about making sure the roster all would have the same type of mind for getting better.

“From talking with Reynad, I’ve never felt like an owner was so close with player mindsets.

“He’s a pro player himself in Hearthstone, so it only makes sense he can relate to us so much. I think him and LS have the same ‘no bullshit’ personality, and that’s what I feel best being lead by.”

Marcin “SELFIE” Wolski

Source: OpenDomain

“A world-class support staff is a key part of Tempo Storm’s formula for success within eSports.

“In my eyes, a qualified coach has the most important role in a League of Legends team.

“Nick brings ample experience, a fantastic work ethic, and commands the respect of the best players in the world.

“He also has the most comprehensive understanding of the game of any individual in the West. We’re lucky to have him, and I have complete faith in his ability.”

Andrey “Reynad” Yanyuk, Tempo Storm Founder

LS will operate as Tempo Storm’s Head Coach remotely, maintaining his current base in South Korea. LS is regarded as having one of the best analytic minds in the League of Legends eSports scene, but Tempo Storm’s decision to allow him to remain detached from the roster, whilst preaching a “no bullshit” approach to support staff, has raised eyebrows amongst their fans.

“The difference between Tempo Storm and other western teams is that from talking with the management of the team, I realized we share a near identical vision for competitiveness and improvement.”

“In addition to this they see the value in allowing me to continue to work from Korea, something most other teams didn’t.

“Going forward I’m really confident in the ability of the roster and I believe it has a foundation that will truly enable my coaching style to flourish and aid the team tremendously.”

Nick “LS” De Cesare, Tempo Storm Head Coach

After a disappointing first attempt at promotion into the NA LCS, Tempo Storm are investing heavily in their squad to improve their chances for the second attempt. With a potential franchising deal on the horizon, Tempo Storm will be hoping their investments in SELFIE and LS pay off in the NA CS Summer Split.